Emerging Markets with Export

Truro-based Reflex Marine is already reaping the benefits of export to Brazil and Mexico.

Cornish businesses can find out more about selling their products and services overseas to emerging economies at an event this month thanks to Export Cornwall.

Grow Your Business in Emerging Markets, delivered in partnership with Santander and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, will bring together export specialists representing growing markets in Brazil, India, Russia, China and Mexico in one event.

Taking place on Tuesday 24 February at the Pavilion Centre, Wadebridge, the event will also offer one-to-one sessions.

Known as the BRIC countries (Brazil, Russian, India and China), these countries are seeing a rise in consumerism and growing middle classes, meaning there is greater and increased demand for products and services.

Brazil is expected to be the fifth largest economy in the world by 2020, while India expects to see 6.4 % growth in its economy this year.

Experts believe Cornish innovators, designers and producers are ideally placed to bring Brand Britain to all four corners of the world.

Truro-based Reflex Marine is already reaping the benefits of export to Brazil and Mexico.

David Bone, Chairman of Export Cornwall, said: “The BRIC countries can seem too difficult to access, but once you have cracked it they have huge potential.

“With our UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) partners, we can help businesses to work smartly with lots of local intelligence. There is so much help available and now is the time to explore the potential of these markets.”

Siddharth Mukne of the UK India Business Council will be one of the experts on hand at the event. He said: “India is going through a period of exciting change, with 6% growth expect this year, and we anticipate this economic growth will overtake China by 2016.

“We’ve seen successful British trade projects with India across the sectors. The British brand is very strong, with lots of potential in healthcare, innovation, technology and education and skills. We think India is where it is happening for export.”

One company already making in-roads in exporting to Brazil and Mexico is Truro-based Reflex Marine, which designs and develops products to safely transfer personnel to offshore platforms.

Following two years of work and investment, Reflex Marine has become the only company in Europe to gain certification with the Brazilian Coastguard.